Creative Spacing for Dwarf Fruit Trees

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Nurserymen create dwarf fruit trees using grafting techniques. The rootstock of a fruit tree determines the ultimate size of the tree. The fruit-bearing limbs, or scion wood, determine the type and size of the fruit. Grafting methods have been used for centuries as a means to select and retain specific desirable fruiting characteristics. While all fruit trees require proper spacing to produce the best fruit, dwarf trees also lend themselves to various creative landscaping applications because of their easy-to-handle size. In general, allow at least an 8-foot diameter space for each dwarf tree for healthy air-flow; this spacing can be measured as 8 feet from trunk to trunk.

Improve Yard and Garden

Dwarf fruit trees can be used to hide unsightly features such as fences, alleyways or sheds. Their dense foliage also buffers street noise or sounds from neighbors as it provides privacy. Taking into account the shadows they will cast at maturity, place individual trees at the corners of the garden or plant them as a garden border or in an informal row along a walking path. The fragrant blossoms of many trees such as citrus enliven a patio garden. Not only do the trees offer the beauty of spring blossoms, they provide layers of green summer foliage and colors of ripening fruit and fall foliage that boost yard appeal as the seasons progress.

Enhance View

Plant dwarf fruit trees to frame a view from a window, deck or patio, or mark a boundary with a row of trees. Create a screen with depth and texture by setting the small trees as a layer of mid-level foliage against a low-growing hedge. Space the trees 8 to 10 feet from the hedge and at least 8 feet apart in the row, to allow trouble-free maintenance. To use dwarf trees as focal points in garden beds, under-plant them with ground covers or lower growing annuals or perennials. You’ll need to increase irrigation to provide ample water to both fruit trees and understory plantings, and the increased uptake of nutrients in densely planted areas may require additional fertilization as well.

Containers

While you can plant dwarf fruit trees directly in the ground, many varieties also thrive in containers. Trees in containers can be moved for protection from harsh weather, making it possible to grow some varieties such as Eureka lemons (Citrus Limonum “Eureka”) year round, even in cooler areas. Use container trees to design non-permanent windbreaks or to provide shade from extreme heat for tender plants. Place them near a birdbath to offer perches and nesting areas to wild birds. Avoid overcrowding container-grown trees by positioning the containers at least 8 feet apart. Rotating the containers gives the trees even sunlight on all sides, improving fruit production and ripening.

Espalier

Design a living wall along a fence, the side of a building or on a trellis by training dwarf fruit trees using espalier methods. In this form of garden art, you train the trees by pruning them into interesting designs on a real or imaginary upright plane. Criss-cross branches, wire them into curved lines, or create simple candelabra or fan shapes. You can espalier in-ground trees as well as container plantings to configure them to available space.